Thread by @itsWanda

So today I finally made it to #SoulofaNation, the new show on the 20th c African-American experience, at @deyoungmuseum. It's there through March. Don't miss it!

The first rooms are photos and montages from the early 1960s by Romare Bearden, Norman Lewis, and Ming Smith.

Oddly this show was curated by the Tate Museum in London. But the artists and subjects are all American, with many Bay Area connections. #soulofanation

A lot of the exhibit addresses the Vietnam war, as the civil rights movement evolves into black power. Topics like the KKK to police violence are just as relevant today as 50 years ago. #soulofanation

Betye Saar is singular. The materials and spirits she's conjuring often come through better in person. But her wit is razor sharp. #soulofanation

This 1968 sculpture by Elizabeth Catlett is called Black Unity and carved out of mahogany. I was pleased to see so many female artists in this show. #soulofanation

The 70s bring a new day glo palette and the brilliance of Faith Reingold.

The bookstore has done great vivid children's books including bell hooks' adorable Happy to Be Nappy. #soulofanation

Marie Johnson Calloway's School Crossing Guard might be my favorite piece in the show. #soulofanation

The bold graphics and op art of the Black Panthers are unmistakable. Wadsworth Jarrell portrays Angela Davis, on trial in Marin, as a revolutionary.

There's a lot more! Definitely see the show if you can. Today was a community day, so there were crowds and concerts. Lots of curious teenagers and 20-somethings, which added a lot to the experience.

I'll leave you with David Hammonds' lyrical Bag Lady in Flight. #soulofanation

There's one more community day on Feb 8th. You can book free tickets here. deyoung.famsf.org/free-reduced-a… #soulofanation